Water, Dignity and the Power of "Together We Thrive"
Water. Sanitation. Hygiene.
For many of us, those are background blessings we rarely think about. We turn a faucet, flush a toilet, wash our hands, fill a glass. Simple. Routine. Assumed.
Last year, during the 2024 USA–Mexico Friendship Conference in Xalapa, I was reminded that these “simple” things are anything but ordinary.
A Visit That Changed Me – Xalapa, Mexico
On the outskirts of Xalapa, a small group of us visited the site of a newly funded Rotary water project. We met a deeply dedicated teacher and school administrator. We toured the facility. The children were bright. The staff was committed.
But there was no running water.
No water for hygiene. No water for drinking. No water for cleaning. No reliable water for toilets.
Just beyond the school sat a community of about 300 people. Dirt floors. Minimal furniture. Open-air kitchens. Firewood stoves. Resourcefulness everywhere. Abundance nowhere.
We walked through the village and met a family of sisters cooking tamales in a massive cauldron over an open flame. They were preparing food for the coming week. They were warm, joyful, and welcoming.
And then something happened that I will never forget.
They began giving us their tamales.
Their food for the week.
The poorest among us are often the most generous.
Their kindness, their dignity, their gratitude — it touched my heart in a way few things ever have. I went to see a water project. I left inspired by humanity.
That is what Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene really mean. Not infrastructure alone — but dignity. Health. Hope. Opportunity.
Why It Matters — And Why You Matter
Because of Rotary global grants, because of your generosity, because of clubs that think beyond themselves, that school now has the opportunity for transformation.
We who have so much can make such a difference — even when we give just a little.
When we pool our resources. When we align our vision. When we say, “Together We Thrive.”
Water projects are not just plumbing. They are public health. They are education. They are women and girls staying in school. They are communities freed from preventable disease. They are futures rewritten.
And that is exactly what Rotary does best.
Why Gather? Why Attend?
So why attend the Together We Raise Celebration on April 30 and stay for District Conference?
Because stories like Xalapa are not isolated.
They are multiplied through you.
These district events are not “just meetings.” They are:
Motivating inspiration that rekindles why you joined Rotary
Heartfelt recognition of clubs and individuals making extraordinary impact
Youth stories of lives transformed by scholarships, RYLA, Interact, youth exchange and service
Speakers who lift your heart and expand your vision
Connections with trusted leaders and friends you can rely on in times of need
Rotary is so much more than your weekly club meeting.
It is a network of purpose-driven leaders. It is a family. It is a movement.
Back to the Future — With Purpose
This year’s District Conference theme is inspired by Back to the Future — because Rotary honors our past while boldly leading forward.
You’ll experience:
Grammy-style awards celebrating outstanding clubs and members
Hands-on community service projects with 100+ community volunteers
Educational and inspiring breakout sessions
An orchestrated production of laughter and joy
A time of remembrance honoring Rotarians we have lost
A celebration of our future leaders
And together, we will celebrate 250 impactful service projects in honor of America’s 250th anniversary — demonstrating that service is the highest form of citizenship.
You will meet civic leaders. You will connect with potential Rotarians. You will build friendships that last decades.
Most importantly, you will remember why you love Rotary.
The Bigger Vision
In Xalapa, I saw what happens when Rotary shows up.
A school without water becomes a school with hope. A village without sanitation gains dignity. A simple act of generosity multiplies across borders.
When we gather as a district, we remember that Rotary is bigger than any one club. Bigger than any one project. Bigger than any one of us.
These events are for you — whether you are brand new to Rotary or have worn your pin for decades.
You truly do not want to miss it.
Because somewhere in the world, there is another village. Another school. Another child waiting for clean water.
And together, we can change that story.
Together, we raise. Together, we serve. Together, we thrive!
Registration is now open for Club Leadership Academy (CLA) 2026, our district’s hands-on leadership experience designed to strengthen clubs and support current and future leaders.
At our best, Rotary isn’t a meeting—it’s a mission. Power of Purpose is the idea that the strongest clubs aren’t the ones that work hardest to recruit; they’re the ones that work hardest to matter.
CLA 2026 Dates & Locations
CLA–Phoenix: Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Paradise Valley Community College
CLA Zoom Online option, Saturday, March 7, 2026
CLA–Prescott: Saturday, March 28, 2026 — Yavapai College
RLI- Session 1 at both Phoenix and Prescott events
Join Rotarians from across District 5495 for this year's District Conference, May 1-2, for an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, connection, hands-on service, celebration, and fun. From dynamic speakers and meaningful breakout sessions to hands-on service opportunities and a magical Saturday night celebration, this conference is designed to energize and unite us as we shape the future of Rotary together.
We are honored to welcome Wyn Spiller, Rotary International Zone 26/27 Director 2025-2027 as our Saturday Night Featured Speaker.
Wyn represents 30 districts across the Big West and brings decades of Rotary leadership experience — from District Governor to Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator to Council on Legislation Trainer. She is a Major Donor, peace advocate, and global humanitarian with firsthand experience in humanitarian projects around the world.
This is your opportunity to hear directly from Rotary International leadership about where Rotary is headed and how our district fits into the global picture.
The District 5495 “Together We Raise Major & Legacy Giving Campaign” — celebrating vision, unity, and legacy — will conclude with a joyful evening bringing Rotarians together to celebrate the extraordinary impact we create when we Give Together.
The event will be held the day prior to the start of this year's District Conference, April 30 at the Sheraton Hotel in Mesa.
This special celebration will honor current and future commitments of $10,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, while warmly welcoming all Rotarians who believe in Rotary’s mission and the power of collective generosity.
We are honored to welcome Vicki Puliz, Past RI Director and Rotary Foundation Trustee 2025-29, who will share inspiring stories and highlight the life-changing work made possible through your support.
The evening will culminate in the reveal of our district’s campaign results, announced in a fun, high-energy performance by the Blues Brothers—because celebrating generosity should be as joyful as the impact it creates.
Whether you are being recognized, are considering a future gift, or simply want to celebrate what Rotary accomplishes through shared commitment, this evening is for you.
RLI Sessions 1, 2 and 3 to be offered May 30 in Anthem
District 5495 will offer all three sessions of Rotary Leadership Institute from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 at Anthem Community Center, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem.
Cost is $65 and most clubs will cover a member's cost to attend. Cost includes continental breakfast, lunch and study materials.
RLI is a worldwide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.”RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in clubs, the world will benefit.
Virtual Grants Management Seminar planned March 26
Clubs seeking to apply for a district grant are required to have at least two members from each club attend a Grants Management Seminar. For those unable to attend an in-person seminar, the district will conduct a virtual seminar 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 26.
Anthem's Joe Alvarez named 'Rotarian of the Month'
Joe Alveraz of the Rotary Club of Anthem has been named District 5495 Rotarian of the Month for February.
Joe heard that our Daisy Mountain Veterans were not going to have their annual Ball due to lack of volunteers. Joe said, “No way, let me talk with Dave and Rotary will take this on and help the Veterans.”
The Rotary Club of Anthem agreed and worked together with the veterans on this event. This turned into a huge event, and we were able to raise close to $30,000 for the Daisy Mountain Veterans. The event was held at our Country Club, Congressman Abe Hamadeh was our keynote speaker.
Because of his efforts, Joe was honored by the Daisy Mountain Veterans with the DMV Civilian Award.
Jennifer & Paul Bowles names ‘Rookies of the Month’
District 5495 is proud to recognize Paul and Jennifer Bowles as our Rookies of the Month—a dynamic duo who have embraced Rotary service with energy, vision, and heart from day one.
Even before officially becoming members, Paul and Jennifer were already showing up—serving at the Veterans Barbecue and jumping in wherever help was needed. From the very beginning, they demonstrated that Rotary is not just something you join—it’s something you live.
Leadership in Action
Jennifer has quickly emerged as a powerful leader within the club. She played a crucial role in launching the inaugural Taste of the Village last fall—a tremendous success—and will return as chair of the event next fall. Her organization, enthusiasm, and ability to rally volunteers have made her indispensable to the club’s fundraising efforts.
Paul chaired Skills Day at the Middle School, coordinating 11 presenters and delivering what many called a gigantic success. His ability to see the big picture, combined with his organizational skill and calm leadership style, instills confidence in everyone around him. Though new to the community, Paul has already become a trusted liaison—connecting community leaders, bringing in presenters, and strengthening Rotary’s local partnerships.
He also provides invaluable technological leadership, assisting President Carol in elevating the club’s technology and communication tools—ensuring the club operates with excellence and professionalism.
Together, Paul and Jennifer:
Provide strong team leadership for the inaugural Fire Wise project, preparing the community for wildfire readiness
Actively support and work tirelessly on the Club’s Garden Project
Lead social media outreach efforts
Show up early and stay late at every event
They exemplify Rotary’s spirit of community togetherness and service. Their willingness to step up, lead boldly, and serve wholeheartedly reflects exactly what makes Rotary thrive.
In a year where our district theme is “Together We Thrive,” Paul and Jennifer Bowles are living proof that when committed people bring their talents, passion, and teamwork to Rotary, our impact grows exponentially.
Congratulations, Paul and Jennifer—thank you for the leadership, vision, and servant hearts you bring to our Rotary family!
New TRVFA video available to all district clubs to show
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) has been around since 1993 and has helped thousands of students get a vocational degree or certificate through grant awards.
Since inception, $2.9M has been awarded in grants. While most Rotarians have heard of TRVFA, it is apparent that not all understand the inner workings.
In January, we were pleased to introduce a five-minute video created by Paul Janis, a Rotarian in the Fountain Hills Four Peaks Rotary Club. The video was well-received and previewed with the District 5495 AGs and Club Presidents.
Soon a second video will be introduced. This one deals with the tax credit opportunity available within our state. Individuals can make a $495 (single) or $987 (couple) donation that costs nothing as it can be used to reduce state taxes through the AZ Tax Credit Program.
Both videos will shortly be made available to your Club President. The videos are excellent for either a Rotary moment or as part of a longer presentation. We are hopeful that more Rotarians will direct their tax dollars to TRVFA. The more donations the more grants awarded.
Teens throughout the state will be able to attend their high school prom this spring without having to spend a single penny on purchasing needed attire thanks to the efforts of Arizona Rotarians.
For two weekends in March, The Prom Closet – a project spearheaded by the Peoria North Rotary Club -- will provide formal prom attire to boys and girls at absolutely no charge.
This year’s Prom Closet takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 14-15 and 21-22 at the GESD System of Care Campus, 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale.
All high school teens are invited. There are no financial requirements and no application to be completed. All items are available at absolutely no cost.
The Prom Closet has thousands of formal prom dresses to choose from, as well as shoes and accessories. In addition to women’s clothing and accessories, items available to men include suit coats, shirts, slacks, shoes and ties.
The club has been presenting the Prom Closet for 15 years. The event is supported by volunteer Rotarians from throughout Arizona.
Surprise & SCW Rotary Club to host ‘Taste of Surprise’
The Taste of Surprise & Art Festival returns this April and will provide a chance for those in attendance to enjoy local cuisine, art and live entertainment while at the same time supporting a worthy community cause.
The festival will be held 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Surprise Baseball Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Surprise and Sun City West, the event offers attendees the chance to enjoy delicious food from over 20 local restaurants. Tickets are $25 each if purchased before March 15.
All proceeds benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that delivers free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five. The global initiative works through local partnerships to put books directly into the hands and homes of young readers, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
The Rotary Club of Surprise and Sun City West has to date enrolled 1,000 pre-school children throughout the Surprise area, adding 12,000 new books this year. With additional donations, this program can be continued and even expanded.
In addition to food, the event will feature over 50 classic cars on display from the West Valley Cruisers Car Club of Surprise and art demonstrations and displays from WHAM and Ground Floor Artists. There will be live music, and a beer garden.
Phoenix 100 ‘Take Flight’ impacts youth development
The Phoenix 100 Rotary Club and Shemer Art Center present “Take Flight” on March 28-29, an event that uses art to impact homelessness and youth development.
Butterflies represent transformation. People in situations that lead to homelessness or people currently experiencing homelessness are in extremely transformative periods of their lives.
Rotarians are People of Action and Phoenix Rotary Club Charities (PRCC) is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the homeless epidemic. These solutions have taken the form of education, drug rehabilitation, fighting food insecurity, securing alternative housing, working with domestic abuse survivors and more.
PRCC intends to use funds raised during Take Flight to support projects within the homelessness sector and youth services including a partnership with Shemer Art Center to support youth art education programs.
District Governor Jim Schmidt will be speaking and sharing a bit about Rotary during the bidder's reception noon-3 p.m. March 29 at the Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85018.
D5495 DG line hits the ground running with special new DG shoes!
At the Southwest Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar in Los Angeles this February, District 5495’s Governor Line stepped forward—quite literally—into their leadership journey.
Before sharing reflections about honoring the path of leaders who have walked before us, DG Jim Schmidt presented a special pair of Nike sneakers to each member of the District Governor Line. The shoes were made possible thanks to Jim’s son, who works for Nike.
Featuring Rotary colors and labeling specific to the District 5495 Governor Line, the sneakers symbolize both honoring the footsteps of past leaders and confidently walking the path ahead together. In presenting the shoes, DG Jim shared that they represent leaders whose footsteps can be trusted and followed—while also encouraging each new leader and President-elect to step forward and lead the way for others.
Pictured (left to right): DGE Joe Sweeney, DG Jim Schmidt, DGN Colleen Coons, and DGND Teresa Haire showing off their Rotary-inspired Nike sneakers.
A fun moment—and a meaningful reminder—that leadership in Rotary is a journey we walk together.
District 5495 seeks fundraising chair for Junior RYLA
Jr. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is one of Rotary District 5495’s most impactful youth programs, providing middle school students with a transformative four-day leadership experience focused on confidence-building, teamwork, and personal growth. Through hands-on activities, guided reflection, and meaningful connections, students leave camp more empowered, self-aware, and prepared to lead in their schools and communities.
The impact of Jr. RYLA extends far beyond the campers themselves. Rotaractors gain invaluable leadership, mentoring, and project management experience, while Rotarians have the opportunity to invest directly in the next generation of leaders and strengthen Rotary’s commitment to service above self. RYLA is truly a program where leadership development happens at every level and every age—regardless of your volunteer role.
As Rotarians, it is essential that we continue to support and strengthen the programs within our own organization. Running a camp of this scale is no small task; it requires months of planning, fundraising, coordination, and behind-the-scenes work to ensure that every student can attend at no cost. Without the support of dedicated volunteers and donors, this life-changing opportunity would not be possible.
We are currently seeking a Fundraising Chair to join the Jr. RYLA Planning Committee. This is a volunteer role ideal for someone passionate about youth development and interested in advancing RYLA through fundraising efforts and creative initiatives. If you are interested in contributing your skills and leadership to this program, please reach out to us at 5495jrryla@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports senior center library
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes members were honored to participate in the ribbon cutting and opening of Oakwood Creative Care’s Library.
The Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 committed to five years of grants totaling $25,000. The Oakwood facility supports services for seniors and their caregivers, i.e., daycare, therapy, art, music, and creative classes. The library was one of several ways the funding was used to benefit valley seniors.
Sedona Village launches successful Life Skills Day event
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village partnered with Sedona Red Rock Junior High School to present its first Life Skills Day, a dynamic hands-on learning program designed to help students build practical skills for everyday life and future success.
All 160 students participated in three interactive sessions selected through a student interest survey, ensuring topics reflected what students most wanted to learn. Eleven classes were led by volunteer subject-matter experts from throughout the Sedona community.
Session topics included goal setting, wellness and performance, conflict resolution, volunteering, entrepreneurship and personal finance, cake and cookie decorating, stock market investing, video editing, first aid basics, sports readiness and fitness development, and interior decorating.
“Life Skills Day exceeded our expectations,” said Rotary Coordinator Paul Bowles. “Students were able to choose sessions that mattered most to them, and the response was outstanding. Seeing Sedona professionals and community volunteers generously share their experience and knowledge was truly inspiring. Their commitment made a lasting impact on these young people and demonstrated the power of community service.”
Supporting youth education and leadership opportunities is one of Rotary International’s core areas of service. Through programs like Life Skills Day, the Rotary Club of Sedona Village continues to invest in developing confident, capable young leaders for the Verde Valley — one student at a time.
Members of the Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club volunteered Feb. 21 at St. Mary's Food Bank. The food bank distributes 300,000 meals per week – 1.8 meals every year!
Sun Lakes holds annual Foundation Dinner
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recently held its annual Rotary International Foundation and Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 (F’2000) dinner. During the dinner, the F’2000 financial advisors shared how the charitable funds are managed, growing and helping expand F’2000’s support of community charities. RCSL’s RI Foundation Chair Dick Thomas reviewed how RCSL’s member donations to RI Foundation are making a difference around the world.
The Rotary International Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. F’2000 is a Arizona 501(C)3 nonprofit formed to promote charitable giving and provide financial support for charities that are endorsed by the RCSL and/or the Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation "2000" Board.
Embry Riddle Rotaract members receives certificates
The Rotaract Club of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott recently presented Rotaract certificates and pins to 35 members. The club is nearly four years old and is a joint club with the Air Force ROTC Silver Wings Club.
Mya Buerck, center, kneeling, is the club president and Col. Russ Davis (on the right in the orange shirt) serves as the club's advisor. Past President of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club and current District 5495 Assistant Governor Katheryn Tuberty (in red shirt) serves the club as well.
The club assists the three Prescott Rotary clubs every other month sorting food at the local food bank.
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes celebrates 40 years of service
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes is celebrating 40 years of service, leadership, and community impact. Chartered on April 22, 1986, RCSL has grown from a small group of retirees to one of Arizona’s most active Rotary clubs.
RCSL plans to hold its 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration 4:30-6 p.m. April 21, 2026, at Sun Lakes Cottonwood Country Club ballroom. Watch RCSL’s website – www.sunlakesrotary.com for details to register and join RCSL’s members, guests and contributing sponsors at this inspiring celebration.
RCSL is known as “The Education Club.” RCSL supports youth programs, such as Student Exchange, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, AWIM and 4-Way Test essay competitions, and scholarships. RCSL honors educators with monthly and annual awards. One of RCSL’s traditions is the Third Grade Dictionary Project — launched 22 years ago by the late Dwight Grotewold. Each year the club distributes over 4,000 dictionaries to third-grade students. To date over 88,000 dictionaries have been delivered to Chandler Unified School District students and Gila River Indian Community schools.
Peoria North Rotary Club provides help to homeless
The Rotary Club of Peoria North recently put together 100 boxes of toiletry supplies to be handed out at the Peoria Community Center to people in need.
The boxes contain such items as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, water, lip balm and more. The boxes were donated in February to the Neighborhood & Human Services Department at the Peoria Community Center.
The application period runs February 1 – May 15 for this fully funded Fellowship through The Rotary Foundation.
Think of someone you personally know, or in your social and professional network who are working in humanitarian areas, or any of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus (locally, nationally, or overseas), already has a bachelor’s degree, and would be interested in a master’s degree or Professional Development Certificate.
Our D5495 committee is here to assist you and your club, as well as those interested in applying. We can also provide your club with a program on the Fellowship.
Please go to the D5495 website’s Peacebuilding TAB and click on the Peace Fellowships link to share information with your clubs as well as others who might benefit from this amazing opportunity.
Or reach out to Tony Cerato at tcerato@aol.com, or 719-351-6616.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month World Rotaract Week is celebrated Monday through Sunday during the week of March 13, Rotaract’s anniversary March 31 — Preregistration discount ends for the Rotary International Convention
April 2026
Environmental Month April 30 – Rotary International Convention registrations and ticket cancellations are due
